January 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper - Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology
by Maddalena Bearzi 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new paper in the current issue of Contributions of Zoology entitled " Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology " co-authored by myself and Craig B. Stanford. Abstract Dolphins and African apes are distantly related mammalian taxa that exhibit striking convergences in their socioecology. In both cetaceans and African apes, two or more closely related species sometimes occur in sympatry. However, detailed reviews of the ways in which sympatric associations of dolphins and apes are similar have not been done. As fi eld studies of dolphins and apes have accumulated, comparisons of how the two groups avoid direct food competition when in sympatry have become possible. In this paper we review sympatric ecology among dolphins and African apes, and examine convergences in species-associations in each taxa. We review evidence for hypotheses that seek to explain avoidance of food competition, and consider whether ape-dolphin similarities in this area may be related to the way in which social groups in both taxa optimally exploit their food resources. For a free PDF copy please visit: http://dpc.uba.uva.nl/cgi/t/text/get-pdf?c=ctz;idno=7604a03 or send requests to: mbearzi(a)earthlink.net Regards, Maddalena Bearzi ______________________________ Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

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2nd Announcement 2009 International Sirenian Conservation Conference-Abstract Deadline Approaching
by Juli Goldstein 30 Jan '09

30 Jan '09

2nd Announcement: The Georgia Aquarium in collaboration with the Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program are pleased to announce: The 2009 International Sirenian Conservation Conference 2nd Call for Abstracts and Registration. This conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia March 23-24, 2009. Highlights include: - Current Field and Laboratory Research, Management Perspectives and Veterinary Aspects of Rehabilitation and Release - Two student travel awards - Open to anyone interested in the biology, management and medicine of sirenians Deadline for Submission of Abstracts for Oral Presentation and/or Student Travel Awards: February 15, 2009 Please refer to the following website for details and registration http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/sirenian.aspx Juli D. Goldstein, D.V.M. Associate Veterinarian Assistant Research Scientist Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Center for Coastal Research Harbor Branch Oceanographic 5600 US 1 North Ft. Pierce, Fl 34946 772-465-2400 ext. 434

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new article on Southern right whales
by Jimena Belgrano 30 Jan '09

30 Jan '09

Dear Marmamers, I´d like to inform you about a recent published article about the distribution of southern right whales nearby the Magellan Strait. Please, feel free to request pdf copies from the authors at the address below. Belgrano J., M. Iñíguez, J. Gibbons, C. García & C. Olavarría. 2008. South-west Atlantic right whales distribution nearby the Magellan Strait. Anales del Instituto de la Patagonia (Chile) 36 (2): 69-74 In this note we review the distribution of southern right whales in the area nearby the eastern entrance to the Magellan Strait, including Argentina and Chilean waters, including reported and unreported records from the nearby province of Santa Cruz, Argentina (Iñíguez et al. 2003) and the southern Chilean fjords (Gibbons et al. 2006) with the aim of examining the local distribution of the species and its degree of movement across the border between Argentina and Chilean waters. In the area of Santa Cruz, Argentina, sightings have been recorded since 1986. We include here those records nearby Cabo Vírgenes and Punta Dungeness as in Iñíguez et al. (2003). In the Chilean Patagonian and Fuegian channels and fjords, extensive surveys for cetaceans have been undertaken between 1997 and 2005 as in Gibbons et al. (2006). Further surveys have been undertaken by the Centre for Quaternary Research (CEQUA) in the fjords and channels at the central and western portions of the Magellan Strait, as well as in southern channels between 2003 and 2008. Best wishes Jimena Belgrano Fundación Cethus jimena.belgrano(a)cethus.org www.cethus.org

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request for narwhal images
by William Rossiter 29 Jan '09

29 Jan '09

Free images of live narwhals at sea are being sought by Cetacean Society International for use in educational programs and an on-line (low resolution) photogallery. Photographers will be given credit, and any inquiries for commercial use will be directed to the copyright holder. For details please contact: William W. Rossiter Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org (link to CSI photogallery from this URL)

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Masters thesis project opportunity: fin whale behaviour and ship strikes
by Dylan Walker 29 Jan '09

29 Jan '09

Dear Marmamers, UK-based charity ORCA – Organisation Cetacea (www.orcaweb.org.uk) is offering a field research opportunity for a student wishing to complete a Masters thesis on behalf of the charity, entitled: Understanding fin whale behaviour as a tool for mitigating against large ship strikes Ship strikes cause serious injuries and mortalities to whales worldwide, and are widely implicated as a major factor affecting the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) population. Despite this, world shipping activity is predicted to increase by 30% to 50% by 2030. The speed and size of vessels is also expected to increase dramatically, with 30% of the world’s shipping fleet expected to be too large to pass through the Panama Canal by 2020. ORCA believes that more research is required to assess how whales behave in relation to large vessels, and has developed a project designed to provide a basis for future research with consequent recommendations to commercial operators to reduce the likelihood of ship strikes. ORCA therefore seeks a Masters student to take part in this pioneering project to be run in partnership with ferry company Brittany Ferries (www.brittany-ferries.co.uk) The chosen researcher will work onboard Brittany Ferries flagship ferry Pont Aven, operating between Portsmouth (UK), Santander (Spain) and Plymouth (UK), and travelling through the Bay of Biscay. The field season will last for a 6 week period between July and September, which is the season of highest density of large whales (mostly fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)) in the Bay of Biscay. The project will involve studying the location and behaviour of large whales throughout the season using GPS, video recordings, and field observations, in order to assess how the behaviour of the whales varies spatially, temporally and in relation to the proximity of the vessel. Please note that ORCA and Brittany Ferries only have resources to provide food and accommodation whilst onboard ship. All other expenses, including travel expenses, must be borne by the participant. ORCA will also provide logistical support during the field season, but all scientific support must be provided by the educational institution represented by the Masters student. Equipment provision is also the responsibility of the student, most notably a video camera. We would like to thank Brittany Ferries for allowing ORCA this opportunity. This project is part of a wider environmental programme operated by ORCA and Brittany Ferries, which includes long term monitoring of cetaceans and the presence of a marine education officer beginning in April 2009. How to apply Please send an email to Dylan Walker at dylan(a)orcaweb.org.uk detailing your experience, your current Masters course, the scientific support available at your educational establishment, and why you are interested to take on this project as your Masters thesis. Regards, Dylan Walker Project Development Manager ORCA - Organisation Cetacea Email: dylan(a)orcaweb.org.uk 17 Embassy Court Kings Road Brighton BN1 2PX Mob: +44 (0)7900 471490 Web: www.orcaweb.org.uk

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Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions for 2009
by Thea Johanos-Kam 29 Jan '09

29 Jan '09

Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii), a contractor for The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2009 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings,and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from mid April to early September, though some positions will continue until mid/late September. The starting date may be delayed until early May depending on cruise scheduling. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first 3 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. *NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 20 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to the contact below. IMPORTANT: Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available, remote field experience, animal handling experience, boating skills, and whether you will accept a volunteer position. Calinda Goo Aquatic Farms Email: officeafl(a)hawaii.rr.com Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to: Calinda Goo Aquatic Farms 49-139 Kam Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744 Please also send duplicate cover letters and resumes to: Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program Phone (808) 944-2174 Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam(a)noaa.gov (preferred) or By mail to: Thea Johanos Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Protected Species Division 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Employment will be provided by Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii)a contractor that provides Scientific Support Services to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC). Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader and field camp assistants, depending upon education and experience. Volunteer positions for field camp assistant may also be available for applicants without prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp or without prior field experience in a related PIFSC research effort within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. FIELD CAMP LEADER One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared. Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Responsible for return of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Produces annual report at end of field season. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles)in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT One or two assistants participate in each field camp. Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets,and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.

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LDEO seismic surveys in SE Asia (FR 78294): review details and new comment deadline
by William Rossiter 29 Jan '09

29 Jan '09

*LDEO seismic surveys in SE Asia (FR 78294): review details and new comment deadline* In a recent letter, Dr John Wang described concerns over a series of marine seismic surveys using a large airgun array from the /Langseth,/ planned for the waters of SE Asia (including the EEZs of Japan, Taiwan, China and the Philippines) from March 21 to July 14 2009 by the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) at Columbia University, as part of the TAIGER project. These surveys are believed to have the potential to impact, in some cases quite significantly, on a considerable number of vulnerable, poorly understood or in some cases critically endangered populations of cetaceans in the highly biodiverse yet relatively poorly studied waters of this region. Please note that previous L-DEO seismic surveys have not attracted sufficient scientific critique of unverified assertions in their authorization requests, and future L-DEO seismic surveys are planned for other regions. This current authorization request therefore represents an opportunity to improve the science and mitigations for future worldwide seismic surveys, as well as for this SE Asia project. Many local and international scientists and other interest groups learned only in early January that LDEO had proposed the survey and had applied to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in the US for an Incidental Harassment Authorisation (IHA) to 'take' small numbers of cetaceans during these SE Asia surveys. After a number of individuals and groups expressed concern, an extension on the comment period was granted, with the new deadline being *_1700 EST on 5^th February 2009_*. A review of the Environmental Assessment for the project is provided below. The author of this review does not share the conclusion by LDEO that the impacts of these seismic surveys on local marine mammals will be minimal, and highlights the potential impacts on several marine mammal species including the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (/Sousa chinensis/), beaked whales (Ziphiidae), sperm whale, (/Physeter macrocephalus/), finless porpoise (/Neophocaena spp./), western gray whale (/Eschrichtius robustus/), North Pacific right whale, (/Eubalaena japonica/), Western North Pacific blue whale, (/Balaenoptera musculus/), Western North Pacific Humpback Whale, (/Megaptera novaeangliae/) and others. The author also describes problematic aspects such as the timing the proposed surveys and proposed mitigation measures. For any of you who have an interest in one or more of the potentially affected species, populations or regions, you are invited to read this review and address any questions or concerns to NMFS by the above deadline. Contact: Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910--3225. The mailbox address for providing email comments is _PR1.0648--_XL89(a)noaa.gov <mailto:XL89@noaa.gov> or michael.payne(a)noaa.gov <mailto:michael.payne@noaa.gov>. To receive updates on further developments related to this alert, please contact Christina MacFarquhar at Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, Taiwan, chrisgagele(a)gmail.com. The Federal Register notice and additional documents related to this activity can be found at the following NMFS web-pages: Federal Register notice: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr73-78294.pdf Application: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_iha.pdf EA: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_ea.pdf The direct link to the detailed, scientific review of the authorization proposal is: http://en.wildatheart.org.tw/archives/SEAsiaLDEOreview_28.1.09.pdf This review is too long to be included in the text of this email message.

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Journal of Cetacean Research and Management - abstracts - latest issue (2008; vol 10, issue 1)
by Dagmar Fertl 28 Jan '09

28 Jan '09

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) publishes The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management thrice yearly (Spring, Autumn, and Winter), with at least one supplement that will contain the full report of the IWC Scientific Committee. The following is posted on behalf of the IWC and the journal editor. Further information can be found at: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/JCRM.htm. A guide for authors is included in the first volume of each issue and on the IWC website: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/authorsguide.htm. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl Ziphius EcoServices http://www.ziphiusecoservices.com **************************** Kemper, C., D. Coughran, R. Warneke, R. Pirzl, M. Watson, R. Gales, and S. Gibbs. 2008. Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) mortalities and human interactions in Australia, 1950-2006. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (1):1-8. Contact e-mail: Kemper.Cath(a)saugov.sa.gov.au A total of 44 records of southern right whale mortalities and non-fatal anthropogenic interactions have been documented in Australia by museums, wildlife agencies and researchers since 1950. Sixteen of the events involved whales that apparently survived. Events were recorded in all months except January and 65% occurred in the period July to October. Mortalities were more numerous in the western half of the continent where southern right whales are more frequently observed. Events were classified according to their outcome and nature: carcasses (with no evidence of human interaction) n=25, fatal entanglements n=1, non-fatal entanglements n=12, fatal vessel collisions n=2, non-fatal vessel collisions n=3, non-fatal shooting n=1. No live strandings were recorded. The number of both mortalities and non-fatal anthropogenic incidents has increased 4-fold since the mid 1970s. More calves than ‘non-calf’ whales were present in the carcass category, whereas the opposite was the case for events involving human interaction. Lines, nets and buoys used in fishing crustaceans (rock-lobster, crab) were associated with several entanglements (n=5). A longline entanglement of a 14m female resulted in a chronic injury, debilitation and death. As a proportion of the total records for each region, there were fewer vessel collisions of right whales in Australia (11%) than in South Africa (16%) or the North Atlantic (35%). ******************************************** Gilpatrick, Jr., J.W., and W.L. Perryman. 2008. Geographic variation in external morphology of North Pacific and Southern Hemisphere blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):9-21. Contact e-mail: jim.gilpatrick(a)noaa.gov Geographic variations in size and proportions of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) were investigated using length data acquired from whaling records and aerial photogrammetric surveys. Results showed that blue whales found in the eastern Pacific off Central and North America are significantly shorter (by approximately 2m) than blue whales found at higher latitudes in the North Pacific. Results support the occurrence of a morphologically distinct eastern North Pacific (ENP) blue whale population which migrates in spring/summer from warm waters off Central America and Mexico to temperate feeding grounds along the west coast of North America. Southern Hemisphere blue whales sampled with vertical aerial photogrammetry off northern Peru and the Galapagos Islands were similar in size to the ENP blue whales. However, the population affinity of these southern blue whales remains uncertain. No length data were available for blue whales formerly captured off southern Japan and Korea. Nonetheless, a history of diminishing fishery catches and a lack of any recent sightings suggests that these whales were members of a geographic population that is now severely depleted or extinct. Based on comparisons of total length, length of rostrum and length of tail region, ENP blue whales were found to be morphologically similar to the ‘pygmy’ blue whale (B.m. brevicauda) described from the Kerguelen Island region of the southern Indian Ocean. ‘Antarctic’ blue whales (B.m. intermedia) from the Southern Ocean were found to be statistically significantly larger than their conspecifics at high latitudes in the North Pacific. These results support the hypotheses that blue whales that migrate from warm seas to cold feeding grounds in high latitudes are larger than those whose distributions are limited to low and mid-latitudes. Differences in morphology may reflect selective pressure on populations to adapt physiologically to energy demands associated with different migration, environmental and ecological regimes. As some of the results come from populations located far apart in different oceans, questions remain concerning the continuity of populations within and among ocean basins. Consequently, research using fishery data and approaches such as photogrammetry, telemetry, acoustics and molecular genetic analysis should be continued to better understand the worldwide blue whale population structure. **************************** Boisseau, O., D. Gillespie, R. Leaper, and A. Moscrop. 2008. Blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin (B. physalus) whale vocalizations measured from northern latitudes of the Atlantic Ocean. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):23-30. e-mail: oboisseau(a)ifaw.org Vocalizations were recorded in the vicinity of sighted blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin (B. physalus) in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Greenland in August 2004 from a hydrophone towed behind a research vessel and from free floating sonobuoys. The structures of recorded calls were broadly similar to those reported from other areas, but lacked the stereotypical patterning of those signals though to represent reproductive displays. Counts of non-patterned blue whale calls indicated low vocalization rates, with a mean of 0.62 phrases per whale per hour (0.12 A-B and 0.49 arch phrases per whale per hour). However, vocalizations were highly clustered in time, with 80% of blue whale calls ascribed to the focal animals arriving within a single 80 second period. It is not clear what behavioural, geographical or seasonal trends may influence the vocalization rate of large baleen whales, and thus direct comparisons between areas are difficult. However, it is hoped the results presented will be of use in interpreting remote recordings of blue whales made from the North Atlantic. Hydrophones were also monitored continuously over 7,757km of trackline using an automated detection algorithm developed for North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). However, no North Atlantic right whales were seen or heard during the study period. ************************* Flach, L., P. Amaral Flach, and A.G. Chiarello. 2008. Density, abundance and distribution of the guiana dolphin, (Sotalia guianensis van Benéden, 1864) in Sepetiba Bay, southeast Brazil. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):31-36. Contact e-mail: flachleo(a)hotmail.com Line transect surveys were conducted from August 2002 to July 2003 to examine the abundance and distribution of the guiana (Sotalia guianensis) in Sepetiba Bay-Southeast Brazil. A boat-based platform and 50 pre-determined line transects were used to assess the population on two main stratum-specific environments of the bay (entrance and interior). A total of 3,140km of transects were surveyed at 12-15km-hr^-1 and good sea conditions (Beaufort 0-2), resulting in 157 sightings of dolhin groups and 129 sightings after truncation of all sightings beyond 400m. From the 129 sightings, the DISTANCE program generated a population density of 2,79 dolphins km^-2 and calculated a population of 1,269 individuals (CV=739-2,196) for the bay. Sighting frequency (n=126 or 80.3%) was higher at the entrance of the bay compared with the interior (n=31 or 19.7%), although the density and abundance were similar for the entrance (2,91 dolphins km^-2 and 596 dolphins) and interior (2,69 dolphins km^-2 and 672 dolphins). Results reveal an important population of guiana dolphins at Sepetiba Bay, the largest thus far studied off the South American coast, stressing the importance of the area for the conservation of this species. The study also indicated that line-transect sampling carried out from small boats in large bays can produce statistically robust estimates and therefore could be recommended for population monitoring in other areas of the Brazilian coast with similar characteristics. ******************** Smith, B.D., and M. Than Tun. 2008. A note on the species occurrence, distributional ecology and fisheries interactions of cetaceans in the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago, Myanmar. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):37-44. Contact e-mail: bsmith(a)wcs.org A vessel-based line-transect survey for cetaceans conducted during 23 February-6 March 2005 of the nearshore waters (to a depth of 40-60m) of the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago of southern Myanamar searched along 955km of trackline resulting in 30 cetacean sightings. These included Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus (n=15), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis (n=3), spinner dolphins Stenella longirostris (n=4; the largest of these was mixed with pantropical spotted dolphins Stenella attenuata), Irrawaddy dolphins Orcaella brevirostris (n=1), finless porpoises Neophocaeana phocaenoides (n=1), Bryde’s whales Balaenoptera edeni/brydei (identification tentative; n=1), one unidentified baleen whale (probably also a Bryde’s whale) and four unidentified delphinid groups. Irrawaddy dolphins and finless porpoises were found in shallow, brackish waters, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins also in shallow waters but those less affected by freshwater inputs and Bryde’s whales and Indo-Pacific bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins in deeper and clearer waters. In total 2,5645 gill netters/long liners (95% CI=1,228-3,903), 1,301 squid jiggers (95% CI=611=1,992) and 532 stern trawlers (95% CI=154-910) were estimated to be operating in the study area. Concentrations of gill netters/long liners were particularly high in shallow nearshore waters and at least 150 were operating in the bay where the only sightings of Irrawaddy dolphins and finless porpoises were made. There is a need to better assess nearshore cetacean populations, investigate whether or not incidental and intentional catches are sustainable and incorporate a cetacean element into an initiative to establish a marine protected area network in the Mergui Archipelago. ************************ Smith, B.D., B. Ahmed, R. Mansur Mowgli, and S. Strindberg. 2008. Species occurrence and distributional ecology of nearshore cetaceans in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, with abundance estimates for Irrawaddy dolphins Orcaella brevirostris and finless porpoises Neophocaena phocaenoides. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):45-58. Contact e-mail: bsmith(a)wcs.org A vessel-based line-transect survey for cetaceans conducted during February 2004 along 1,018km of systematic trackline in the nearshore waters of Bangladesh in 111 ‘on-effort’ cetacean sightings including: Irrawaddy dolphins, Orcaella brevirostris (n=75, mean group size=2.2); finless porpoises, Neophocaena phocaenoides (n=11, mean group size=2.6); Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis (chinensis-form; n=6, mean group size=16.2); Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops aduncus (n=3, mean group size=36.1); pantropical spotted dolphins, Stenella attenuata (n=1, best, high and low group size estimates=800, 1,100, and 600, respectively); Bryde’s whales, Balaenoptera edeni/brydei (large-form; n=1, three individuals); and unidentified small cetaceans (n=14). Cetacean distribution was closely tied to environmental gradients, with Irrawaddy dolphins and finless porpoises occurring most often in nearshore, turbid, low-salinity waters, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in slightly deeper waters where the colour turned from brown to green and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Bryde’s whales in deep, clear, high-salinity waters of the Swatch-of-No-Ground (SoNG), a 900+m-deep submarine canyon that extends within about 40km of the Sundarbans mangrove forest. A Generalised Additive Model of environmental and presence-absence data indicated that Irrawaddy dolphin distribution was conditionally dependent (p<0.05) on low salinity and shallow depth, which explained 36% of the variance. A distance analysis of Irrawaddy dolphin and finless porpoise sightings resulted in abundance estimates of 5,383 (CV=39,5) and 1,382 (CV=54,8%), respectively. The positive conservation implications of these abundance estimates were tempered by observations of potentially unsustainable bycatch in gillnet fisheries targeting elasmobranches and scarring on bottlenose dolphins consistent with trawl fishery interactions. The nearshore waters of Bangladesh support a taxonomically diverse and relatively abundant cetacean fauna, which can probably be explained by the wide variety of environmental gradients (river-sea and shallow-deep) available within a relatively small area and the enormous biological production driven by extreme fluvial and oceanographic processes. Priority recommendations for future research include: (1) evaluating bycatch levels and the types of fishing gears responsible for incidental kills; (2) investigating the spatial and temporal dynamics of high-density cetacean hotspots; (3) resolving the species and population identities of baleen whales and delphinids occurring in the SoNG; and (4) assessing the abundance, movement patterns and fishery interactions of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. ******************** Johnston, D.W., J. Robbins, M.E. Chapla, D.K. Mattila, and K.R. Andrews. 2008. Diversity, habitat associations and stock structure of odontocete cetaceans in the waters of American Samoa, 2003-2006. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):59-66. Contact e-mail: david.johnston(a)duke.edu Little is known about the species composition, distribution, abundance or stock structure of odontocetes in the central and western tropical Pacific Ocean, including those inhabiting the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters of American Samoa. While some information on species presence in this region has been gleaned from anecdotal sightings and whaling and stranding records, odontocete diversity in the waters of American Samoa has never been formally investigated. This lack of information precludes efforts to determine the sustainability of cetacean populations within US EEZ waters. This paper reports on the first dedicated surveys to document the presence and distribution of odontocete cetaceans in the waters of American Samoa. A series of small-boat photo-identification and biopsy surveys for cetaceans were conducted in the nearshore waters of Tutuila during 2003-06. In addition, ship-based visual surveys were conducted in the waters surrounding the Manu’a Islands, Rose Atoll and Swains Island in summer 2006. A total of 58 groups of odontocete cetaceans were encountered during both small boat-based and ship-based surveys; spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris, n=34), rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis, n=10), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus, n=3), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens, n=5), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, n=1), dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima, n=1), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus, n=1), and three groups of unidentified odontocetes. Photographs were analysed for quality and individuals with distinctive markings were selected for entry into a photo-identification catalogue. The resultant catalogue included 46 spinner dolphins, 41 rough-toothed dolphins, 2 bottlenose dolphins, 5 false killer whales, 4 pilot whales, 1 dwarf sperm whale and 4 sperm whales. Thirteen spinner dolphins and 14 rough-toothed dolphins were sighted in multiple years. To investigate stock structure, spinner dolphin genetic data were used to compare mitochondrial genetic diversity and allele frequencies between American Samoa and the Hawaiian Islands. American Samoa had a higher genetic diversity, and populations at the two locations were genetically distinct (ΦST=0.21). The high diversity at American Samoa indicates that spinner dolphins at this location are not reproductively isolated, but the data do not rule out the possibility that these dolphins may be demographically isolated on ecological timescales. ******************************** Ohishi, K., Y. Fujise, and T. Maruyama. 2008. Brucella spp. in the western North Pacific and Antarctic cetaceans: A review. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):67-72. Contact e-mail: oishik(a)jamstec.go.jp Brucella spp. has been reported in a variety of marine mammals worldwide. Serological and pathological studies were conducted on Brucella spp. in the western North Pacific using samples from three whale species during 2000 under the second phase of the Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the Western North Pacific (JARPN II). Serum samples from 40 common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), 43 Bryde’s whales (B. edeni) and 4 sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were assessed with agglutination testing designed from B. abortus detection. Brucella-specific serum antibodies were detected in 38% of common minke whale samples. A lower prevalence (9%) of the antibody was observed for the Bryde’s whale samples, whereas no specific antibody against Brucella was observed for the four sperm whales. Serum samples from 104 Antarctic minke whales (B. bonarensis) collected under the Japanese Whale Research Program under the Special Permit in the Antarctic (JARPA) were analysed, and no Brucella-specific antibodies were detected. Granular lesions with caseation and mineralisation were found in 35% (13 males and one female) of 40 minke whale gonads. Similar lesions were also observed in the gonads of one male and one female Bryde’s whale. These gonad lesions were found in 440 Antarctic minke whales and five sperm whales, despite the thorough examination conducted for reproduction studies. Histopathological studies showed that the lesions consisted of epithelioid cells, multinucleated giant cells and had an infiltration of lymphocytes. DNA fragments were amplified by PCR using specific primers from ten of 22 abnormal testis tissues collected from common minke whales. The DNA sequences had IS711 transposable elements downstream of bp26, characteristics of marine strains of Brucella spp. The gene structure of omp2, and specific PCR products for seal strains, showed similarity to Atlantic seal strains rather than Atlantic whale strains. This showed that classification based on marine mammal host species, B. cetacean and B. pinippedia is not appropriate. Considering the zoonotic nature of the genus Brucella, the crews and researchers who have had frequent contact with whales were serologically examined and found to have no health issues associated with this agent. No Brucella-specific antibody was detected in the sera from 51 persons examined in 2001, nor from 103 examined issues in 2003. Acevedo, R., L. Oviedo, N. Silva, and Bermúdez-Villapol. 2008. A note on the spatial and temporal distribution of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Venezuela, southeastern Caribbean. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):73-79. Contact e-mail: dolphinrag(a)yahoo.com This paper presents information on the spatial and temporal distribution of humpback whales in Venezuela waters. Using a relational database containing information from the museums of Venezuela, published and unpublished records were incorporated into the Geographical Information System (MapInfo Professional 7.0). A total of 53 records were gathered, of which sightings made up 72%, followed by acoustic sampling (9%) intentional capture (6%), stranding (6%) and unknown records (8%). Humpback whales were mainly sighted over the continental shelf of the northeastern region in shallow waters of 0-100 m in depth. The date on which each record was made supports the austral winter months do not give conclusive proof that Southern Hemisphere humpback whales are present during this time, but lead to the hypothesis that whales migrate from Brazil. Systematic research effort (especially photo-identification) is recommended in order to better understand humpback whale movements, distribution and identity. Brownell, Jr., R.L.*, D.P. Nowacek, and K. Ralls. 2008. Hunting cetaceans with sound: A worldwide review. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):81-88. contact email: Robert.Brownell(a)noaa.gov Cetaceans are sensitive to a variety of anthropogenic sounds because they normally use sound to navigate, communicate and capture prey. This paper reviews some fisheries that have taken advantage of this sensitivity by using sound to help capture numerous species of dolphins and whales. Fishermen in many parts of the world have independently developed methods that use sounds to drive (herd) various species of small cetaceans so that they can be killed and used for food, culled (i.e. to offset competition for fish), help capture fish (e.g. in the Eastern Tropical Pacific) or be taken into captivity. It is well documented that drive fisheries for small cetaceans have occurred for at least 650 years in Japan and Europe. With respect to large whales, the use of sound became widespread after World War II, with the advent of an early form of sonar (ASDIC) which was used for hunting both baleen and sperm whales. Baleen whales displayed a strong avoidance reaction to ASDIC by swimming rapidly away from the sound while remaining near the surface of the water. In contrast, sperm whales made longer dives in response to ASDIC. During the 20th Century, fishermen using these two acoustical methods killed millions of cetaceans (including those caught in the Eastern Tropical Pacific tuna fisheries), both small and large. The effectiveness of acoustic capture methods shows that a wide range of cetacean species have strong avoidance reactions to a variety of anthropogenic sounds. Research to better document the characteristics of these sounds, including those used in existing drive fisheries and those produced by ASDIC devices, would improve understanding of the types of anthropogenic sounds that could contribute to mass-stranding events and should be minimised in protected habitats for cetaceans. Weller, D.W.*, A.L. Bradford, H. Kato, T. Bando, S. Ohtani, A.M. Burdin, and R.L. Brownell, Jr. 2008. Photographic match of a western gray whale between Sakhalin Island, Russia, and Honshu, Japan: The first link between feeding ground and a migratory corridor. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10(1):89-91. Contact email: Dave.Weller(a)noaa.gov Between 2005 and 2007, four female western gray whales were accidentally entrapped and died in Japanese set nets while migrating along the Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan. Photographs of these animals were compared to a photo-identification catalogue of western gray whales from the feeding ground off Sakhalin Island, Russia, to look for matches of individuals between the two areas. Although useable quality photographs were available for only one of the four whales from Japan, a confirmed match was made to a whale photographed off Sakhalin Island. This match represents the first link between the feeding ground and a migratory corridor and highlights the importance of multinational research collaboration in the formation of range-wide conservation measures to protect this critically endangered population. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® goes where you go. On a PC, on the Web, on your phone. http://www.windowslive-hotmail.com/learnmore/versatility.aspx#mobile?ocid=T…

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Animal Care Technician Position at the Alaska SeaLife Center
by Jenelle Gilding 28 Jan '09

28 Jan '09

The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: Animal Care Technicians (Seasonal) These positions are responsible for the daily and routine cleaning and maintenance of stranded mammal and avian enclosures and work areas, animal diet preparation, and record keeping. These positions will also provide support to the stranding department in feeding, handling of marine mammals and birds within the care of the ASLC Stranding Department and provide logistical support involved for animal stranding, rescue and release. Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): 1. Assists in the care and maintenance of animals managed by the Center's Stranding Department. 2. Daily animal diet preparations, water quality testing, and routine cleaning of animal habitats, holding pools, food preparation facilities and marine mammal and avian work areas. 3. Assists with logistics pertaining to live and dead strandings including rescues, animal transport and releases. 4. Maintains written and computer based records. 5. Follows procedures for animal care, food preparation, and clean up, including proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment. 6. Under direction of the Stranding Coordinator, assists research staff in facilitation of research projects and the collection of data samples. 7. Participates in educational presentations to visitors and the public on topics relating to marine mammal stranding and ASLC operations. Provides helpful, patient assistance and information to the public. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology or related field is preferred. Some captive or stranding marine mammal and/or avian experience is required. Soft and technical skills should include: exceptional time management /organizational skills; self-motivated; ability to communicate effectively with various levels in the organization; computer skills including MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and database programs; excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be physically fit with a good sense of balance and be able to lift over 50 lbs. Must have a valid driver's license. These are seasonal, full-time positions. The SeaLife Center offers a competitive wage in a beautiful setting. Start Date: April 1 - May 1, 2009 End Date: October 31, 2009 Apply by: February 15, 2009 Send resume & application (downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org <http://www.alaskasealife.org/> ) to Human Resources, Alaska SeaLife Center, P. O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR(a)alaskasealife.org <mailto:human_resources@alaskasealife.org> . www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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baleen whale entanglements in fishing lines
by Tim Werner 28 Jan '09

28 Jan '09

Dear Marmam Listers, I work on bycatch based at the New England Aquarium, and would like to learn what bycatch mitigation work is being undertaken with large whale entanglements outside the Northwest Atlantic. I would appreciate receiving info, contacts, links, etc. to follow-up. For more information on the project I work on, please see: http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/projects/fisheries_bycatch_aq…) Thanks! Timothy Werner Senior Scientist and Director, Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110-3399 USA Tel. (1) 617-226-2137 Fax (1) 617-973-0242 Email: twerner(a)neaq.org Website: www.neaq.org

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